The Byrds’ classic country record, 1968’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo, has been reissued with unreleased Gram Parsons vocal tracks. This new two-disc release proves worth the price for just the unheard Parsons versions. In a contract dispute, record president Lee...
Recorded July 27th and 28th, 1962, The 25th Day of December remained out of print for years. Each spiritual classic reveals the true power of the Staple Singers who were best known for their STAX hits like “Respect Yourself”, “I’ll Take You There” and “If You’re...
The Lost Crowes serves as a timeless musical testimony during a golden era of one of America’s greatest rock and roll bands.
By James Calemine This 2004 documentary was filmed at Sherman Cooper’s farm in Como, Mississippi. Jessie Mae Hemphill died on July 22, 2006, at 71. Jessie Mae played guitar, wrote and sang her own songs. Jessie Mae Hemphill won the 1987 and 1988 W.C. Handy Award for...
Where Will You Be Christmas Day? ranks as one of the most eclectic and powerful Christmas compilations of all time. These 24 songs were recorded from 1917-1959. The package includes a collector’s item postcard, and a small booklet containing the artist’s recording...
By James Calemine Two of Eric Clapton’s biggest hits (“After Midnight” and “Cocaine”) were written by J.J. Cale, so it’s only fitting the two guitar slingers finally recorded an album together. The Road To Escondido marks a fine collection of songs based on Clapton...
Sam Shepard’s career epitomized the rugged soul of America’s West. The award winning playwright starred in Wim Wenders’ film, Don’t Come Knocking, as a 60 year old actor who abandons his current film in search of loved ones he deserted decades ago. Shepard’s wayward...
Born in 1962, Janisse Ray grew up in the coastal plains of southern Georgia—near Baxley. Ray’s book of poetry, Naming The Unseen, won the 1996 Merriam-Frontier Award from the University of Montana where she also earned a creative writing degree. A naturalist, Ray has...
The Dirty South contends as The Drive By Truckers’ strongest album. This collection of songs contains some of the most ruthless moxie you’ll ever hear on a rock and roll record. As a chronological follow up to Decoration Day, The Dirty South (another David Barbe...
By James Calemine Chuck Leavell commands respect in the music world. He’s played piano with the Rolling Stones (for half the band’s history), Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Dr. John, The Allman Brothers, Sea Level, The Black Crowes and many others. Leavell’s third...